So you want to start Ecommerce Website Development, but have no idea where to begin...
Won't Amazon just beat me? Is it even worth it?
Honestly, it's a great idea, and this post will show you why!
You may be asking... "Wait, What? How do I get started on eCommerce website development, isn't it difficult?"
Let me tell you one thing.
There are TOOLS now to make things easier for YOU!
Say goodbye to the days of long hours trying to code every page of your site and loading in products to sell in your store. It's now easier than ever to start!
What Is Ecommerce Website Development?
For all the beginners out there an Ecommerce site is a place where you can sell physical products online. This includes an area for potential customers to shop around, add products to their cart, and ultimately make a purchase.
Maybe you don't have an eCommerce store yet, or you're looking to start selling products online... either way I'm here to help.
When getting into Ecommerce Website Development, these are the 7 key tips for things you want to have in your store...
#1 - Responsive Design
A simple and responsive website design is absolutely essential for a successful eCommerce store. It needs to be easy for your potential customers to navigate and find what they're looking for.
When using Shopify, which is the eCommerce platform I use and personally recommend, you can use conversion optimized themes to lead people into a sale.
It is crucial that your store's design is nicely laid out, or else it may confuse people and cause them to leave your site.
#2 - Best Selling Products
When creating your website, you should also consider what products are selling well. For new visitors that reach your site's homepage, you need to reel them in with something enticing to get them to continue.
The best way to do this, is to put your best products front and center.
This gives you the best chance of making a sale and converting that visitor into a customer, which should be your ultimate goal.
If you're unsure of what products to sell... Download my FREE $100k Product List.
#3 - Optimize Site Performance
Another step to designing a successful eCommerce store is optimizing your site's performance. This is how your site looks on desktop and mobile, and it's overall speed. Thankfully, many site builders allow you to view how your site appears on both orientations.
With over 60% of users opting for mobile, and many social media apps that are on the phone, your website MUST be optimized for mobile.
If not, your site will be left in the dust... or
If your site is slow, you're also likely to lose customers.
Make sure not to load in too many apps or plug-ins into your site, and use lower image sizes on your product pages.
#4 - Customer Management
Each customer that comes into your business shall be taken account for. This is another step in creating the perfect eCommerce website for selling your physical products online.
With proper customer management, you are able to track and manage when orders go out, and come in.
Not only that...
You can also see who your best customers are, that spend the most with you.
#5 - Website Security
Another important factor that so many neglect to consider is their website security...
Your website needs to be running on an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer).
Many Ecommerce Website Development software options include this in their packages. However, you want to make sure it is enabled on your site.
This makes sure that credit card, and payment info is secure and safe for customers on your site. It's absolutely essential so people trust (and Google) that your site is safe for information.
#6 - Email Integration
Proper email integration is possibly the MOST important aspect to your online business. In eCommerce, this is your way to keep in contact with your customers and leads. This is how you build relationships and keep people coming back.
Your email list is absolutely crucial to the success of your online business.
Email integration and the ability to communicate with your customers and leads is a necessity. Thankfully, many platforms make it easy and allow you to directly connect with an Email Marketing Service.
The email service I personally use and recommend is GetResponse. They are the best option for the price, quality, and ease of use they offer.
#7 - Payment Processing
The final step to successful Ecommerce Store Development is your ability to accept and process payments in your store. This is how people pay you for your products.
There are many different options to choose from for your online store.
I made a list about the different payment processors for Shopify. This list applies for any eCommerce solution you choose to use, and which options are available depending on the country you operate your business.
Final Thoughts...
To conclude, keep these aspects in mind when diving into your Ecommerce Website Development. There are so many different options and things to consider when creating your eCommerce store.
At the end of the day, it's going to take time to setup your website and store.
Take these tips into account, and you'll be better off in your journey.
It's one step at a time 🙂
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